Izzo the dog, 10, soaks in the sun and welcomes the scratches during the "Smooch Your Pooch Adoptathon" event at Muttville in the Mission on Feb. 25, 2023. | Evan Reinhardt for The Standard
Lorrie Verplaetse left Muttville’s senior dog adoption event grateful. She was going home with a new family member, a 13-year-old sleepy-looking dog in a white sweater named Thank You.
“When I heard she was 13, I thought, ‘Oh, she’s really old!’ But then I thought, ‘Well, I’m old!’ And I wouldn’t want dogs feeling that way about me,” said Verplaetse.
Verplaetse is a long time animal enthusiast, having adopted three senior dogs in the past.
“In all cases, they needed love,” she said.
Lorrie Verplaetse smooches her new dog Thank You during the Smooch Your Pooch Adoptathon event at Muttville in the Mission on Feb. 25, 2023. Verplaetse said she wanted to find a new dog after her previous one passed. | Evan Reinhardt for The Standard
This Saturday and Sunday, Muttville Senior Dog Rescue is hosting a "Smooch Your Pooch Adoptathon," offering free adoption for qualified adopters.
The organization aims to find homes for senior dogs in order to prevent overfilled shelters and euthanasia. All of its dogs are seven years and older.
Sherri Franklin, founder and CEO of Muttville, said they get adopters of all kinds, including “families with children that want an experienced dog that’s a little mellower.”
Franklin also said 30% of its adopters are seniors themselves.
Gandalf, 14, awaits a new owner during the "Smooch Your Pooch Adoptathon" event at Muttville on Feb. 25, 2023. Muttville staff said Gandalf is blind in both eyes. | Evan Reinhardt for The Standard
“And why senior dogs? They’re easier, and they’re grateful. And you know you’re saving a life if you adopt a dog from Muttville because that allows us to save one more,” said Franklin.
Hundreds of people came by Muttville’s adoption event on Saturday, which continues from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at 255 Alabama St.
More Photos From the Adoption Event
Copa and Cabana, 9, nestle on the lap of Elise Robinson, 12, during the "Smooch Your Pooch Adoptathon" at Muttville on Feb. 25, 2023. Robinson, a Muttville volunteer with her mom, said the dogs are a bonded pair and inseparable. | Evan Reinhardt for The StandardKisses the dog receives pets from Shreya Singhal, a Muttville volunteer, during the "Smooch Your Pooch Adoptathon." | Evan Reinhardt for The StandardZucchini the dog barks at passersby during the "Smooch Your Pooch Adoptathon" at Muttville. Tim Smith, a Muttville staff member, oversees the pin and welcomes possible adopters. | Evan Reinhardt for The StandardYsa Rott, 11, convinces mom Kathy Rott to adopt Annie the dog during the "Smooch Your Pooch Adoptathon." Ysa said Annie makes her happy and excited. | Evan Reinhardt for The StandardRani Mavram (left) and Vineet Kosaraju meet with several dogs during the "Smooch Your Pooch Adoptathon." Both said they love senior dogs but aren’t ready for another dog of their own. | Evan Reinhardt for The StandardHugs, 10, perches on a chair as eligible adopters make their way through the "Smooch Your Pooch Adoptathon." Muttville staff said Hugs was found as a stray in the North Bay. | Evan Reinhardt for The StandardJames Lee and Xuehua Yep play with Hoky the dog, 15, during the "Smooch Your Pooch Adoptathon." Yep said they love senior dogs and are looking to adopt after losing their last dog in October 2022. | Evan Reinhardt for The Standard
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